The Deal Between the Magical Girl and the Demon
(My body feels unusually heavy…)
It had been one more day since Taragon and Jeanne came to visit, and I spent it lying down. After waking up, I tried recovery magic on myself, but it didn’t have much effect.
“Ah, Haruna’s in really bad shape right now because of malnutrition and the aftereffects of recovery magic, so it seems like using recovery magic on yourself isn’t a good idea.”
(Aftereffects?)
What, does recovery magic have something other than mana consumption?
“I thought it was strange that Haruna wasn’t recovering, so I investigated recovery magic thoroughly.”
According to the demon, using recovery magic while healthy is fine, but the reckless recovery magic I’d been doing puts a big strain on the body.
Now that I think about it, it does seem true, but isn’t recovery magic meant for reckless situations…?
(Then, how bad is it?)
“My internal organs are weak, especially my heart. If I lose any more blood, I’ll die from blood loss… With about six months of recuperation, I might be able to fight somewhat, but what will you do?”
Ultimately, blood creation magic seems impossible, but I don’t intend to stop fighting here either. Moreover, I can’t wait six months.
(Is there even that much time?)
“…Probably not.”
That’s right… The witches have already spotted me, and I’ve been attacked by them too. There’s no time to rest leisurely. If I rest, I’ll just get attacked and it’ll be game over.
Completely inadequate… Not having enough power or even a body… What a difficult situation.
However, the demon’s attitude suggests there might be some way out. If there really were no way, they would have definitely stopped me by now.
(Is there a way to become able to fight?)
“…Yeah, there is.”
See?
(Didn’t we agree? To defeat the witch. What’s necessary?)
“It’s possible to improve Haruna’s condition by borrowing from her lifespan… About ten years’ worth in this state.”
Lifespan, huh? If it lets me fight, it’s a cheap price.
(No need to hesitate. I’m counting on you.)
“Are you sure?”
Of course, if I don’t fight, my life will be lost eventually anyway. Losing a bit of my lifespan isn’t an issue.
(Demon, do you understand? If I don’t fight, I’ll die either way.)
“I understand, but… wouldn’t you rather spend that little time peacefully?”
(Don’t make me repeat myself… We’ve already decided to fight… I’m counting on you.)
This is my selfishness… I want to keep fighting until the very last moment of my life…
“—Phenomenon code No. 15 ‘Demon’ shall revise its position… Resetting through the scales of recovery…”
An immense amount of magical power enveloped me, and the shortness of breath and heaviness in my body disappeared. This should suffice for now…
“You know, there won’t be a second chance. My magic has its limits.”
If I don’t push myself, I can’t win, but being told not to push myself is quite the dilemma…
As I sat up and checked my body, Taragon burst into the room.
“Inie! What happened?”
They must have felt the magical power just now. I was supposed to let them know when I woke up—this saves time.
“Nothing at all?”
“Lying isn’t good.”
Jeanne also appeared from the door Taragon left open. Were they both waiting outside? Then Jeanne approached and grabbed my arm.
“…Inie, what did you do?”
“What’s wrong, Jeanne? You’re unusually serious.”
Taragon sounded surprised by Jeanne’s changed demeanor. Apparently, Jeanne noticed that I had recovered…
“Would you believe me if I said ‘nothing’?”
“You were far beyond the point where recovery magic could help. Then, after I sensed a great magical power just now, you’re perfectly healthy… What did you do?”
There’s no way to cover this up. I guess I’ll have to explain everything except about the demon.
Still, how should I explain this… No matter how I phrase it, Taragon will probably scold me…
“…I used magic in exchange for my lifespan.”
“—Inie, do you understand what that means?”
“Of course. But I can’t afford to lie around.”
The witches have already started their moves. There’s no time to rest.
“Is this magic part of your abilities?”
“Yes. It’s different from recovery magic…”
A dry sound echoed in the sickroom. Taragon slapped my cheek.
“Why are you acting so calm?! I thought you’d choose to fight, Inie… But you didn’t have to go this far! There was no need!”
“—I have something I must do. Even if it shortens my life…”
Taragon cried, clenching her fists tightly. She doesn’t need to cry for someone like me… Now that I think about it, she cried during the M·D·W incident too.
Maybe Taragon cries easily…
“If you’re not normal, why are you in such a hurry to live? What’s your goal? You only needed to rest for half a year to a year…”
“I can’t say. But I won’t cause trouble for anyone.”
“Didn’t Haruna already cause enough trouble?”
The demon’s comment is fine; they’re my partner.
Please don’t interrupt when I’m having a serious conversation.
“How much of your lifespan did you cut?”
“About ten years. In return, I should be in perfect condition.”
In response to Taragon’s question, I looked her straight in the eye and answered clearly. To those who worry about someone like me—though I myself am full of lies—I want to show as much sincerity as I can.
“Indeed, your pulse and organ functions seem fine. Your growth… well, it’s okay. Still, I wish you wouldn’t recklessly fight.”
“Absolutely. How dare you worry me, younger sister!”
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely. I can’t return to a peaceful life anymore, nor do I want to. Even if I kill the witches in this world, I still have a contract to kill witches in other worlds.
Dying is… no, never mind.
“I have something I can’t compromise on… Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Rather, don’t do such stupid things… People other than me are worried about Inie too.”
I don’t want to take reckless actions either, but I can’t win without them… A powerless magical girl has her limits.
“Since I’m healthy now, is it alright if I discharge myself?”
“Hmm, it should be fine… Are you really going to leave?”
Personally, I’d prefer to stay in bed, but home is better for resting. Plus, I’m hungry.
“Before discharging, there’s someone I want to talk to.”
“Who?”
As Taragon said that, she contacted someone on her terminal. I have no idea who it is.
“Hello. Yes, she seems energetic for some reason. My voice? Don’t worry about it. Let me hand it over now.”
When I took the terminal from Taragon, I briefly saw Arongante’s name on the screen. What’s this about?
“This is Inie.”
“Sorry to bother you. This is Arongante. Though you’ve just recovered, I have something I’d like to consult with you about…”
Arongante’s consultation was regarding Marin. It seems Marin has been reclusive since the day of that battle. Marin’s colleagues from the North Kanto Branch and the new students have tried contacting her, but haven’t received favorable responses.
With Marin, one of their main fighters gone these past few days, the North Kanto Branch seems to be reaching its limit, so they can’t just leave Marin alone.
The battle against Dopple was odd too. Vaguely remembering, Marin reacted to something Lockwert said… Troublesome senior.
According to Arongante, Marin looks up to me, so if possible, they’d like me to cheer her up.
Incidentally, sharing personal information about magical girls—should that be allowed?
“Understood. I’ll head there next.”
“Sorry to ask, but thank you. I’ll return the favor later.”
Well, since I saved Marin before, I expect her to work properly now. If she’s healed and won’t fight, then there’s no point in being a magical girl.
After handing the terminal back to Taragon, Jeanne helped me remove the IV needle. Finally, I’m free.
“By the way, I’ll be home today, so make sure you come back.”
“…Understood.”
Since I’ve caused concern, I’ll obediently return home. Also, Taragon’s cooking is delicious, so it’s something to look forward to.
“As a precaution, please come see me first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Understood.”
Jeanne left the hospital room first, and with Taragon’s assistance, I got out of bed.
Even though I said I was fine, Taragon wouldn’t listen. Before getting up, I asked the demon to change my clothes back to my usual robe.
Then, holding Taragon’s hand, we left the hospital. Taragon didn’t say anything as we walked. According to the demon, we’re heading toward the teleportation facility.
“Hey, Inie.”
“Yes?”
“What color was your hair originally before you transformed?”
Ah, I haven’t mentioned the color yet.
“The original color… was the same as now.”
“Is that so… Were there any friends at the facility?”
(Inie-san, can you change the subject?)
“For someone who started telling lies themselves… Well, tough luck~”
Even a little questioning is manageable, but answering so many questions in quick succession makes it hard to respond.
After all, I haven’t thought that far ahead.
“There were two… They were very lively despite being in the facility unlike me.”
“…I see.”
“Only I remained, but because I remained, there’s something I must do. I don’t want to die, so please rest assured.”
Taragon chuckled slightly.
That’s right, it’s not that I want to die, as the demon suggested. There’s simply no time to rest now. If I had time, I wouldn’t want to shorten my lifespan like this.
“Are you going to see the magical girl named Marin next?”
“Yes, I was requested to.”
We stopped near the teleportation facility.
“When you’re done, come back immediately. I’ll prepare dinner.”
Taragon let go of my hand and waved lightly at me. Please remember, the teleportation facility is always bustling with people.
This place is where medical facilities are concentrated, so compared to others, it’s less crowded, but it’s still quite lively.
(I’m getting a lot of stares…)
“Well, as I mentioned before, Taragon is sort of a celebrity, so if it’s just her, it might be fine, but with Haruna here too, we attract attention.”
Marin is in Honjo, Saitama… A 26-year-old man visiting a girl’s house might get me arrested depending on the situation. Besides, with the demon around, I wouldn’t need the teleportation facility, but since we’ve come this far, I might as well use it.
An available reception desk… That one will do.
“To the vicinity of the former Honjo Station in Saitama, please.”
“Understood. Please proceed to teleporter number 8.”
Number 8… Alright, let’s go.
Entering teleporter number 8, I transferred.
Well then, is Marin doing alright?
